Benoni: the Snake Variation — Chess Library

Black plays the bishop to d6 with the idea of rerouting it — the "snake" — accepting a cramped position for long-term pressure on the queenside.

Lesson

White to move. Main line: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 Bd6

Benoni Defense: Modern Variation, Snake Variation (A60). The line runs 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 e6 4. Nc3 exd5 5. cxd5 Bd6 — the move order matters, and this is the one the theory follows.

Bd6 points at h2 now and may reroute through c7 or e5 later, giving the variation its name. The unusual bishop placement trades space for pressure and flexible piece routes.

White should exploit the time with e4 and development; Black needs quick castling and ...Re8 before the center opens. If the bishop has to move again without gaining a target, White has won the opening argument.